Self adjusting mounting holes

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an apparatus that allows for variations in the alignment of a mounting surface with a device housing. The invention comprises a keyhole mounting slot with a slit formed adjacent to the keyhole. The slit formed is of sufficient length to form a flexible finger that permits sufficient variation in the relative alignment between the device mounting structure and the mounting surface to accommodate imperfections in the mounting surface and misalignment between the device and the mounting surface.

This application claims the benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from a U.S. Provisional Application having Application No. 60/787,025 filed Mar. 29, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors and enclosures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical devices such as receptacles, switches and light fixtures are commonly surface mounted on walls and ceilings of residences and commercial establishments. While various approaches are utilized in the prior art as mounting options for these devices, one common example is the keyhole type mount wherein a slot in a device mounting surface is formed in the pattern of a keyhole and adapted to receive a screw to thereby affix the device to the desired mounting surface such as a wall or ceiling for example. This approach can present some problems however such as distortion in the device mounting structure due to improper alignment of the device mounting structure with the surface to which the device is to be attached. Uneven mounting surfaces such as walls or ceilings can also make it impossible to achieve a flush mount the desired device, thereby leaving unsightly and unwelcome gaps between the mounted device and the mounting surface.

It is desirable, therefore, to have a mounting solution that promotes flush mounting and does not cause the mounting structure of a device to distort or leave gaps between the structure and the mounting surface when the mounting structure is mounted on an improperly aligned surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a mounting solution that solves the problem of distortion in a device mounting. An embodiment of the invention comprises a movable levered keyhole assembly that is integrated into the mounting structure of a device designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling. This is characterized by a keyhole having a slit formed adjacent to the keyhole structure. The slit permits the portion of the structure adjacent to the keyhole to flex thereby allowing the flexible portion of the mounting surface to move and conform to the contour of a mounting surface without distorting the alignment of the device itself or the mounting structure of the device. In this manner a device can be mounted on a surface that is not perfectly level without causing a gap between the mounting surface and the mounted device or causing distortion to the mounting structure of the device.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features of the embodiment will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do nor depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a mounting structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of a mounting structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a planar view of a portion of keyhole mounting structure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts a sectional view of a portion of a keyhole mounting structure in accordance with the present invention; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a device mounting structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While the structure shown is shaped and adapted for a specific device (a sensor) it is presented here by way of example only and to illustrate the relationship of the structure to keyhole openings 102 that are in accordance with the embodiment and located around the periphery of the structure. Similarly, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mounting structure 100 depicted in FIG. 1, showing keyhole openings 102 that are in accordance with the embodiment.

Turning now to FIG. 3, depicted therein is a portion of device mounting structure 100. As depicted therein the device mounting structure 100 has at least one keyhole mounting hole 102 formed within its structure. The keyhole structure 100 is shaped to receive the head of a fastener such as a screw, within the larger portion of the keyhole opening 102. The keyhole structure 100 can then lock the device being mounted into place around the inserted fastener by translating or rotating the mounting surface so that the shaft of the fastener to which the device is being mounted, engages the narrower neck portion of the keyhole opening 102. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the mounting structure 100 adjacent to keyhole 102 is formed as a slit 101. The slit 101 forms a lever 103 that permits that portion of the mounting surface adjacent to its length to flex in a lever action around the keyhole.

The ability to render a portion of the area around the keyhole mount flexible permits the mounting structure 100 of the device to accommodate imperfections in or misalignment with the surface to which the mounting structure is to be attached. In this manner distortion of a substantial portion of the mounting structure 100 that would normally occur is taken up by movement of the lever 103. This feature of the embodiment is more clearly shown in FIG. 4.

As is depicted therein, slit 101 delineates a lever 103 that is flexible and pliable to an extent that it extend away from the rest of the mounting structure 100 to compensate for, and accommodate imperfections and misalignment between the surface to which a device is to be mounted on and the device itself.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A mounting structure for mounting a device to a mounting surface comprising: a mounting structure having a plurality of shaped openings oriented and shaped to receive and lock fasteners in place; a slit formed within said mounting structure and adjacent to said shaped opening, said slit extending to a degree sufficient to form a flexible member movably attached to said mounting structure, said flexible member comprising said shaped opening and wherein said flexible member permits said shaped opening to move independently of said mounting surface to permit said mounting structure to be mounted on a non level surface without distorting said mounting structure when said fasteners are installed in said shaped openings.
 2. The mounting structure according to claim 1 wherein said shaped openings are keyhole-shaped.
 3. The mounting structure according to claim 1 wherein said fasteners comprise screws.
 4. The mounting structure according to claim 1 wherein said mounting structure fasteners are locked into place by moving the keyhole relative to said fastener such that said fastener resides within a linear extent of said keyhole-shaped openings. 